Alia has released its evaluation of the draft law 7651, which will transform an EU directive into national law, and states that a fundamental reform of the media legislature is needed on a national level. To that end, the agency proposes a law that would not only include radio and television, but internet sites and social media platforms as well. A plan which requires the consultation of every actor in the field, including those in civil society, the agency underlines.
Thierry Hoscheit, president of Alia, emphasises that coherence is needed in the field. Valérie Dupont, member of the administrative board, further notes the importance of being able to recognise reliable sources, especially on the internet. Alia has also made the observation that a clearer regulation of municipal media presence is needed.
President Hoscheit concludes that the regulation of the sector should therefore be performed by the independent agency, not the ministry for communications and media. The latter has yet to take a position on the issue, he further conveyed. He also believes that Alia may be well-suited to oversee election campaigns in the future.
If the agency were to be entrusted with these new missions, a number of budgetary and personnel changes would still need to be made.
